White mistletoe: medicinal properties and contraindications, reviews of doctors

The medicinal properties of white mistletoe are beneficial for a wide range of ailments. In order to properly use a medicinal herb, you need to study its features and possible contraindications.

What it looks like and where it grows

White mistletoe (Viscum album) is a perennial evergreen from the mistletoe family. It parasitizes the branches of coniferous and deciduous trees, launching branched roots under their bark.

It has bare green or brownish woody stems up to 1 m long. The leaves of the plant are opposite, leathery, pale green and sessile, blunt at the top with a solid edge, fall off in the second year of life. Flowers of white mistletoe are small, clustered in 3-6 at the ends of shoots, yellowish-green in color. The plant blooms in March and April. In August and September, it bears fruits - spherical or slightly oblong false berries, white after ripening, with one or two seeds.

White mistletoe is also called golden leaf or cross grass.

Mistletoe is common in Europe and the Caucasus, in Asia. In Russia, you can find it in Altai, in the Kaliningrad region and in the North Caucasus.

Attention! The fruits of the white mistletoe are toxic to humans, but they are useful in traditional medicine.

White mistletoe composition

A photo of the white mistletoe plant, its properties and benefits are of interest due to the rich composition of leaves, shoots and other parts. The culture contains:

  • alkaloids;
  • vitamin B4;
  • chlorogenic and caffeic acids;
  • flavonoids;
  • mannitol and amatoxins;
  • neuromoderators and triterpenoids;
  • histamines and eleutherosides;
  • ursolic acid;
  • tocopherol;
  • gamma-aminobutyric acid.

Since many substances in the composition of the culture are toxic, it must be used with great care and strictly according to recipes.

White mistletoe benefits asthma and tuberculosis

What heals and medicinal properties of the herb mistletoe

The medicinal properties of white mistletoe have been known for many decades. The plant is a part of many pharmaceutical preparations. Leaf remedies:

  • help with bleeding;
  • contribute to the healing of neuralgia;
  • dilate blood vessels and are beneficial for angina pectoris;
  • lower blood pressure;
  • improve the condition with gout and rheumatism;
  • contribute to the resorption of abscesses;
  • have an anthelmintic effect;
  • help with painful and heavy menstruation in women;
  • serve as the prevention of cancer.

Plant-based remedies are used for seizures, migraines and dizziness.

Medicinal properties of white mistletoe shoots

In folk medicine, not only the green parts of the white mistletoe are used, but also its wood. Decoctions and infusions of fresh and dry shoots of the plant are beneficial:

  • with bleeding, wounds and cuts;
  • with nervous disorders and severe stress;
  • with edema and inflammatory processes in the urinary system;
  • with increased pressure;
  • with pain in muscles and joints;
  • with weakened immunity.

Shoots are used for epilepsy and cardiovascular disorders. Preparations based on them help with benign tumors of the reproductive sphere in women.

Medicinal properties of white mistletoe for weight loss

Decoctions and infusions of white mistletoe have valuable dietary properties. First of all, the plant has a diuretic effect and helps to remove excess fluids, toxins and toxins from the body. Due to this, weight loss is achieved. In addition, the valuable substances in the plant help maintain healthy muscle mass and are especially beneficial when combined with the use of mistletoe preparations with dietary nutrition and exercise.

It is recommended to take herbal infusions on an empty stomach shortly before meals to speed up the metabolism. In total, mistletoe for weight loss is consumed no longer than a week and strictly in safe dosages.

White mistletoe should not be used during a mono diet, it will do more harm than good

Why is mistletoe herb useful for men

White mistletoe is actively used in the treatment of prostatitis and impotence. The plant improves blood circulation in the pelvic organs, prevents inflammation and helps to cope with existing ailments of the urogenital area.

Decoctions and infusions from the leaves and shoots of the culture have strengthening properties. Proper use of mistletoe helps to increase immunity and overall endurance, which is in demand for men who are experiencing severe physical and emotional stress.

Preparation and application methods

Traditional medicine prepares strong liqueurs and water medicines based on the white mistletoe. Both types of drugs have a strong healing effect and require careful use.

How to make white mistletoe tincture with vodka

It is possible to make a tincture of white mistletoe in case of inflammatory processes in the body. Recipe:

  1. Shoots and leaves of the plant are crushed in a volume of 100 g.
  2. Pour raw materials with 500 ml of quality vodka.
  3. The vessel is closed and removed for two weeks in a cool, dark place.
  4. From time to time, remove the container to shake well.

The finished strained product is consumed 40 drops three times a day. It is best to drink the drug shortly before meals.

Advice! You can use mistletoe vodka to disinfect cuts and inflammations.
Treatment with tincture of white mistletoe is carried out for up to three weeks in a row.

Infusion of white mistletoe

Water infusion of white mistletoe is used for tumors and intestinal disorders, for epilepsy and tuberculosis. The recipe for the preparation:

  1. Measure out 1.5 small spoons of the dry herb of the plant.
  2. Pour 250 ml of fresh boiling water.
  3. Cover and leave for an hour.
  4. Strain through cheesecloth.
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The infusion is taken three times a day, two small spoons on an empty stomach. In a heated form, the agent is also used for rinsing with inflammatory processes of the throat and mouth.

Infusion of white mistletoe is good for hypertension and migraines caused by vascular spasms

Broth, tea

In the treatment of epilepsy and neurological diseases, a decoction of white mistletoe has a good effect. Traditional medicine offers the following recipe:

  1. Dry grass plants are crushed in a volume of 10 g.
  2. Pour a glass of liquid and put on the stove.
  3. After boiling, boil for another 1-2 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stand under a lid for half an hour.

The strained broth is taken 5 ml three times a day. Drinking it is also useful for chronic fatigue and with a decrease in reproductive functions in men and women.

Tea made from sprigs of white mistletoe is good for atherosclerosis, high blood pressure and hormonal imbalance. It is prepared in the "cold" way:

  1. 5 g of crushed shoots are poured into a glass container.
  2. Pour 250 ml of cold water.
  3. Leave the product to infuse for ten hours.

Strained tea is consumed three times a day in a glass for a maximum of three weeks.

White mistletoe tea made with cold water keeps vitamins and acids in full

Ointment

The beneficial properties of white mistletoe can be applied externally. For the treatment of the skin with wounds, purulent inflammations and burns, a healing ointment is prepared. The recipe looks like this:

  1. Measure out six large spoons of dry white mistletoe leaves.
  2. Pour 50 ml of olive oil.
  3. The vessel is removed to a shaded place for a month, taking it out from time to time to mix the raw materials.
  4. At the end of the period, filter the oil and add 50 ml of lanolin to it.
  5. Heat the mass in a water bath until smooth.
  6. Add 15 g of ripe mashed white mistletoe berries and mix again.

You need to store the product in the refrigerator. The ointment is used to treat injuries and inflamed areas, it disinfects tissues, accelerates healing and softens the skin.

Instead of lanolin, you can use petroleum jelly or another fatty base for white mistletoe ointment.

Essence

Homeopathic essence of white mistletoe is available for purchase in pharmacies. A concentrated preparation based on shoots and leaves of a plant is prescribed mainly for hypertension and arrhythmias, as well as for bleeding and female gynecological ailments.

Essence is usually consumed in 5-7 drops per small spoonful of water. You need to take the product on an empty stomach.

Mistletoe essence will be more beneficial if you do not swallow it immediately, but hold it in your mouth for a little.

The use of white mistletoe in folk medicine

White mistletoe preparations are highly valued in the treatment of reproductive diseases. They are also used to improve the condition of hypertension and digestive disorders.

With a weakening of potency

With a decrease in libido in men, tincture of white mistletoe is recommended for use. The remedy is done like this:

  1. Crushed 200 g of dry shoots of the plant and pour 200 ml of 70% medical alcohol.
  2. For a week, remove the container in a place protected from sunlight.
  3. Filter when ready.

The recipe for white mistletoe tincture advises taking the drug for two weeks three times a day. A single dosage is 20 drops.

Advice! If the results of therapy are unsatisfactory, the treatment can be repeated after a month's break.

With hemorrhoids

The astringent properties of white mistletoe help to cope with hemorrhoidal bleeding and relieve inflammation. The plant is used to prepare sitz baths, and the solution is done as follows:

  1. In an enamel container, bring 1 liter of water to a boil.
  2. Pour 60 g of white dry mistletoe.
  3. Warm up the product over medium heat for five minutes.
  4. Remove from the stove and keep it covered for another 20 minutes.

The resulting broth is filtered from the sediment, and then poured into a convenient shallow basin. A bath with a temperature of no more than 37 ° C is taken for 10-15 minutes.

Use a sitz bath with a decoction of white mistletoe for hemorrhoids every evening for ten days in a row

With eczema

Instructions for the use of white mistletoe recommend using a decoction of the plant for inflammatory skin diseases. The tool relieves exacerbations and softens the epidermis, and also prevents the development of infections. The recipe for the preparation of the drug is as follows:

  1. 50 g of dry shoots and leaf plates of the plant are thoroughly crushed.
  2. Pour 1 liter of boiling water and leave for half an hour unopened.
  3. Put the dishes with the infusion on low heat and add 250 g of sea salt.
  4. With slow heating, stir until the grains are completely dissolved, while not allowing the product to boil.

The finished broth must be cooled to a warm state and moisten a clean cloth in it, and then wipe the affected skin or apply a compress. The agent is allowed to be used up to four times per day, every day the drug is prepared anew.

With myoma

White mistletoe helps in the treatment of benign tumors of the reproductive system in women. Usually the following collection is prepared for fibroids:

  1. Dry grass mistletoe and shepherd's purse are mixed in 20 g each.
  2. Add a similar amount of bird knotweed.
  3. Measure 15 g of the mixture and pour a glass of hot water.
  4. Bring to a boil and simmer for three minutes.

The finished product must be cooled and filtered. Take a decoction of 125 ml on an empty stomach twice a day, and the whole use continues for two weeks.

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With hypertension

White mistletoe is considered one of the best blood pressure relievers. Such an infusion has a good effect:

  1. The dry plant is crushed and measured out 5 g.
  2. Pour the grass with a glass of hot water and leave it covered for eight hours.
  3. Strain through cheesecloth.

The resulting infusion must be divided into three equal parts. They consume it shortly before meals, in total, the therapy is continued for three weeks.

With bleeding

Treatment with white mistletoe is carried out for uterine and other bleeding. Tincture is most often used, but it is prepared like this:

  1. 25 g of dry shoots are ground to a powder.
  2. Pour raw materials with 100 ml of good vodka.
  3. The vessel is removed to a dark place for five days.
  4. At the end of the period, filter.

You need to take the remedy three times a day in between meals. The tincture is drunk in 30 drops, previously dissolved in a small amount of water.

It is recommended to continue treatment with mistletoe tincture for up to two weeks, followed by a break.

With rheumatism

With rheumatism and arthritis, inflammation and pain in the joints relieves well with water infusion. The cooking recipe looks like this:

  1. Dry shoots and grass of the plant are crushed to a powder state.
  2. Measure 60 g of raw material and pour 1 liter of warm liquid.
  3. Boil over low heat for five minutes, and then insist for another half hour.

In the strained preparation, you need to moisten a cotton cloth and apply to the sore spot. From above, the compress is fixed with a warm bandage and left for 1.5-2 hours.

With edema

The diuretic properties of white mistletoe not only help reduce blood pressure, but also remove excess fluid from the body. The healing agent is prepared as follows:

  1. The dried plant is ground into powder and 5 g is measured.
  2. Pour raw materials with a glass of hot water in a thermos and leave overnight.
  3. In the morning, filter through cheesecloth.

You need to drink the product 30 ml three times a day on an empty stomach. The therapy is continued for up to three months in a row.

Attention! You can use the infusion of the plant to remove salts from the joints with gout.

Application in cosmetology

Indications for the use of white mistletoe affect not only the medical, but also the cosmetic sphere. The plant has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, namely:

  • unclogs pores and helps get rid of blackheads and acne;
  • eliminates inflammation and irritation;
  • slows down aging and smoothes the first wrinkles;
  • restores moisture balance in tissues and makes the epidermis more elastic.

Infusions and decoctions of the plant are used to wipe problem areas and are used as part of homemade masks. They are also suitable for rinsing hair. With their help, you can get rid of itching and flaking of the scalp, eliminate dandruff and give the curls volume.

Contraindications to the use of white mistletoe

The benefits and harms of white mistletoe depend on the characteristics of the body. You cannot take plant-based products:

  • with asthenia;
  • with hypotension;
  • with stones in the kidneys and gallbladder;
  • during pregnancy and lactation;
  • in case of malfunctions of the thyroid gland;
  • with individual allergies.

When using the plant, it is important to adhere to safe dosages and remember about the toxic components in the herb and berries. If nausea, diarrhea, dizziness and migraine develop against the background of the use of white mistletoe, you should immediately stop taking medications and consult a doctor.

Collection and procurement

The shoots and leaves of the medicinal plant are harvested in late autumn or winter. The mistletoe is removed entirely from the branches of the trees on which it grows, and already on the ground, the necessary parts are cut off from it.

For medical use, it is recommended to harvest thin branches no more than 20 cm in length and small healthy leaves. For long-term storage, the workpieces are dried in a warm room with good ventilation, and then poured into paper bags or glass containers. Store raw materials in a dark cabinet with low humidity.

Subject to storage conditions, white mistletoe retains valuable properties for up to three years

The magical properties of white mistletoe

White mistletoe is traditionally considered a plant that attracts love to the home and helps maintain family well-being. Folk signs recommend hanging fresh or dried twigs near the front door - this brings good luck.

The plant has good protective properties and protects its owner from evil. You can use it to ward off damage and the evil eye.

Conclusion

The healing properties of white mistletoe help fight inflammation, urogenital ailments and bleeding. When using the plant, you need to remember that the composition contains toxic components, and do not exceed safe dosages.

Reviews of doctors about the medicinal properties of mistletoe tincture and contraindications

Iskrina Natalia Sergeevna, therapist
I recommend teas and tinctures of white mistletoe to my patients with mild hypertension. Sometimes using folk remedies is wiser than resorting to systemic drugs. The effect of them is not worse, but there are fewer side effects. But when using mistletoe, it is also important to observe the dosages, and you cannot prescribe treatment yourself, the plant belongs to the category of moderately toxic.
Anna Stepanova, cardiologist
I use the infusion of white mistletoe myself from time to time for edema and advise my patients. The plant serves as a good natural diuretic, not only removes fluids, but also improves the functioning of blood vessels. But it is necessary to consult with doctors before use in any case, for example, with kidney stones, such a remedy cannot be drunk, it can cause pain.

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